We are excited as preparations are in full swing for the Birkie Trail Run, Relay & Trek THIS SATURDAY, just three days away! With record numbers registered and a fun party planned at the end (and throughout of course--who doesn't love those hills!), I hope you can join the day. It will be a wonderful time in the woods on the Birkie Trail. Gather your friends and family and make the trip. See registration deadlines below, Wed. through Friday. Check out ALL the details, new stuff, and photos below--your guide to our 11th annual event.

Then, two weeks from now, on October 1, I will be in Milwaukee for the first annual BIRKTOBERFEST, a celebration of the Birkie spirit, "Milwaukee style!" It will be a great experience sharing Birkie stories, hearing Birkie champion Caitlin Gregg speak, talking about the future of the race, as well as raising funds for the Birkie Foundation and its campaign for a permanent start area.

We are also excited to announce that the new Birkie Ridge trail segment that was just recently finished will be part of the 2014 Birkie Tour on January 18, 2014! It will be a great way to showcase some of the amazing terrain and views this new segment of the Birkie Trail has to offer. Save the date!

Please don't hesitate to drop me a line if there is anything I can help you with--I can always be reached at ben.popp@birkie.com.

Either a Gift Certificate for a pair of Salomon Trail Running Shoes ...

Again this year we have awards from Salomon for top finishers, male and female, in each of the timed events, marathon to 5K, including each member of the top women's, men's, and mixed Marathon Relay teams.

_________________________________________________________________

. FIRST EVER ... "BIRKIE GARAGE SALE"

BIRKIE OFFICE:

All Week, Including Bib Pick-up on FRI., Sept. 20

TRAIL RUN RACE DAY:At Finish Line Big Tent!

We have racks, tables, boxes and more FULL of great Birkie apparel we are clearing out to make way for our 2014 gear.

Rock-bottom prices.

Everything goes!!

Get jackets, sweatshirts, bike jerseys, quarter-zip tech shirts, t-shirts, hats, and more! We even have some coats that retail for over $350, now priced at more than 75% off! Open to Everybody. Stop by and see what's here.

. New this year is a FREE 1K, Games, Obstacle Course, and more, for kids ages 11 and under, starting at 11:00 am at the finish line tent area on race day. Just gather at the big tent for these new kids activities!

* Also new this year is that all ages are

invited to register for the 5K event, so that

kids can run/walk with their parents, family, or on their own. See details on the

We have the best of both worlds this year. First, every participant in the Birkie Trail Run, Relay & Trek events will receive a great technical hat from Swix. Then, to satisfy all you T-shirt lovers out there, we also have a matching, white, long-sleeved T-shirt on sale for only $15.

Available Friday and Saturday This WeekAnybody can get a shirt, participants and spectators alike!

Hats will be given out at bib pick-up, on Friday at the Birkie office from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm and on Saturday at the Big Tent starting at 6:30 am. Shirts will be available all day Friday at bib pick-up and all race day, Saturday, at the big tent.

See who else is already planning to go! Check out the "Birktoberfest" event on Birkie Facebook. This is a great time to meet up with Birkie friends ... and make some new ones!

At Gorgeous Lapham Peak State Park, Delafield, WI

Join new Executive Director of the Birkie, Ben Popp, plus 2013 Birkie Champion Caitlin Gregg, and fellow Birkie enthusiasts, to spread some pre-season Birkie Fever, and help raise (and match!) funds for Birkie Trail improvements--from the new Birkie Ridge to securing all parts of the trail and preserving the Birkie legacy.

Take Cover! The days are getting longer. The nights are getting colder. Just a quick note that a little attention to detail in your recovery goes a long way. Finish each workout with a quick change to a dry shirt and a dry hat. Ski season is just around the corner. Stay healthy and fit! We will soon be unveiling our new line of Swix-Birkie technical apparel. For now, enjoy all your training and events!

Email confirmations may take about two weeks. If you have not received an email, please check Skier Confirmation Online. If your confirmation does not appear, and it's been more than two weeks since you registered, please contact the Birkie at registration@birkie.com or 715-634-5025. Thanks.

The Birkie is a year-round lifestyle choice for thousands of outdoor fitness enthusiasts of all levels. From its signature ski race--the legendary American Birkebeiner--sponsored by SWIX, the Birkie has grown into an exciting array of fitness and recreational opportunities. The 88-kilometer Birkie Trail system attracts skiers, runners, bikers, trekkers, and hikers, from casual day-trippers to elite superstars. Located near Hayward and Cable, Wisconsin, the Birkie is now an outdoor sports mecca, a series of great races, a fitness destination, and a Lifestyle.